Madison Area Technical College President Jack Daniels has proposed a plan that would lease its downtown property while shifting the majority of its programs to Madison’s South Side.
Daniels has outlined the plan with two main recommendations, the first being a proposal to lease the downtown property.
For the next two years, the proposal states that the downtown education campus will continue to offer its current courses and programs on the downtown campus, as well as to offer the already relocated programs. Once the lease is finalized, a transition team will help to facilitate the move between the current West Campus to the future South Campus.
The plan indicates that the Truax building, which is already near the South Side, will hold college transfer art, as well as split half the liberal arts programming and continuing education with the newer South Campus. There is to be a plan developed to inform current and future students of the location and course changes, according to an email sent by Daniels.
The second recommendation for the proposal is a commitment to serve the south Madison community by making the school more accessible to residents, as there are many living in poverty. Daniels has stated that moving to the South Side is the best way to help those that most need MATC’s opportunities and programs.
MATC has identified several facilities on Madison’s South Side that could be developed for the college, as well adding to the current Villager Mall facility. The Villager Mall and additional buildings will provide a variety of courses, from health care occupations to small business development and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, student services will be provided and MATC is looking into parking options and shuttle services for students.
However, the plan has not gone into effect or yet been decided. There are to be several forums and meetings before the proposal is approved. Before May 4, when the board will make a final decision, there are two student forums, a community forum and a special board meeting surrounding public opinion on the proposal.
There would not be any significant moving of programs until at least the end of the 2017-’18 school year.
Daniels stated in the Wisconsin State Journal that the proposal allows for MATC to be “a leader in accessible, affordable education that meets the evolving needs of our community. We are committed to students in diverse communities and the south Madison initiative is evidence of that commitment.”
